Chapter 15

The Biosphere

Climate

Developed by trapping of heat in the atmosphere, latitude, transport of heat by wind or water currents, precipitation, shape of land and elevation

Incoming sunlight has a major role Microclimate-climate of a small specific

place within a larger area

Greenhouse effect

Gases in atmosphere keep heat close to earth

Prevents some heat from escaping into space; Earth stays too warm

Main gas involved is CO2

Latitude

Latitude and heating angle produce 3 climate zonesPolar-cold areas, sun at low angle, between

66.5o and 90o both north and southTemperate-between polar and tropic zones,

wider range of temperatures with seasonsTropic-at the equator, between 23.5o north

and 23.5o south

Air and water movement

Heat causes movement of air and water Warm air and water are less dense the

cool air and water causing them to rise As they rise they cool (for water this

produces precipitation) Movement of air produces movement in

water causing currents

Land masses

Help shape climates Areas closer to water have less extreme

“seasons” than those areas farther inland Mountains can affect precipitation (one

side will receive much precipitation throughout the year, the other side in is “rain shadow”)

Biomes

Large groups of ecosystems that share climax communities

Land or waterAquatic-oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, pondsTerrestrial-land

Terrestrial biomes

6 major land biomes on EarthTundraTaigaDesertGrasslandTemperate forestRain forest

Tundra

Low animal diversity permafrost Long summers Short periods of winter sunlight Temperature always below freezing Supports grasses and small plants Location: North and South poles

Taiga

Northern coniferous forest Warmer and wetter than tundra Long severe winters Short mild summers Provides food / shelter for animals Location: parts of Canada, Northern

Europe, Asia

Desert

Arid region Sparse plant life Animals usually nocturnal Less than 25cm of precipitation yearly Location: northern Africa, southwestern

US

Grassland

Large areas with grasses and small plants Have a dry season Rich soil Supports 100 species per acre 25-27cm rain annually Location: Mid-Europe, Mid-US

Temperate forest

Broad-leaved, hard-wood trees Trees lose leaves in autumn Rich top soil Clay beneath top soil 70-150cm rain annually Location: Eastern US

Rain Forest

Warm, wet areas Lush plant growth Equatorial regions Warm temperatures all year At least 200cm rain annually Location: Central America

Aquatic biomes

2 sub biomes Marine-2 zone regions

Photic zone-shallow area where light penetrates

Aphotic zone-deep water without light

Aquatic biomes

Marine land regionsEstuary-coastal area partially surrounded by

land; fresh and salt water mix Intertidal zone-shore between high and low

tide linesNeritic zone-from low tide mark to edge of

continental shelfBathyl zone-from edge of neritic zone to base

of continental shelfAbyssal zone-below 2000 meters; complete

darkness

Aquatic biomes

Coral reefs - tropic climate zone, warm water temperatures all year

Kelp forests – cold, nutrient rich waters

Aquatic biomes

Freshwater-ecosystem that supports various types of organisms at different temperatures and levels of light

Standing-water such as lakes and ponds Running water-rivers and streams Wetlands where water covers the soil for

at least part of the year

estuary

Partially enclosed body of water where fresh and salt water mix

Contains high level so nutrients due to runoff

Also provide protection to coastal areas during major storms

Watershed

Region of land that drains into a river, river system, or other body of water

Ponds and lakes

Littoral zone-between the high and low water marks on the shoreline; high levels of light, warm and shallow

Limnetic zone-open water farther from shore; lots of plankton

Benthic zone-lake or pond bottom; less light; lots of decomposers